The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has officially opened applications for the Thuthuka Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary is designed to support academically deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant (CA).
The Thuthuka Bursary Programme has assisted thousands of students across South Africa by providing financial assistance, academic support, mentorship, and personal development opportunities. If you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to study accounting at a SAICA-accredited university in 2027, this could be an excellent opportunity to achieve your educational and career goals.
Students are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date, as late applications may not be considered.
About the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary Programme was established to help develop future Chartered Accountants by supporting talented students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial challenges.
The programme not only assists students financially but also provides comprehensive academic and personal support throughout their university studies. This holistic approach helps students successfully complete their qualifications while preparing them for professional careers within the accounting profession.
The bursary focuses on developing future professionals who will contribute positively to South Africa’s economy and business sector.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary is available to students studying, or intending to study, approved Chartered Accountancy undergraduate qualifications at selected SAICA-accredited universities.
Eligible universities include:
University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Bachelor of Accounting
University of Pretoria (UP) – Accounting Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Bachelor of Accounting Science
University of the Free State (UFS) – Bachelor of Accounting and PGCA
University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
University of Cape Town (UCT) – Bachelor of Commerce and PGDA
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Stellenbosch University (SU) – Bachelor of Commerce Accounting
Rhodes University – Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Bachelor of Commerce Accounting
North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) – Bachelor of Commerce Chartered Accountancy
University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus) – Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
University of Limpopo – Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy (CTA only)
Applicants should ensure that they apply for one of the approved qualifications offered by these participating institutions.
What the Bursary Covers
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary provides comprehensive financial support to qualifying students.
Successful applicants may receive funding for:
Tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
Meals
Residence fees
Student accommodation
It is important to note that the bursary does not pay existing student loans or outstanding educational debt.
Programme Benefits
In addition to financial assistance, bursary recipients receive valuable developmental support throughout their studies.
Benefits include:
Academic support programmes
Additional tutorials
Study skills workshops
Mentorship from experienced Chartered Accountants
Career guidance
Work-readiness training
Personal development programmes
Life skills training
Counselling services
Social and emotional support
Access to a dedicated programme manager
Networking opportunities with business professionals
These additional benefits are intended to improve academic performance while preparing students for successful careers in the accounting profession.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements before submitting an application:
Be a South African citizen.
Be a Black African or Coloured student.
Come from a disadvantaged background.
Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the last two years.
Achieve at least 60% (Level 5) in Grade 11 Mathematics.
Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics do not qualify.
Intend to study one of the approved Chartered Accountancy qualifications in 2027.
Have applied, or be in the process of applying, to a participating SAICA-accredited university.
Have a combined annual household income of R350,000 or less.
Have written, or plan to write, the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before the bursary closing date.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed using several important criteria to identify deserving candidates.
Selection is based on:
Academic performance
Financial need, determined through the NSFAS financial means test
National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
Applicants who are shortlisted may be invited to participate in additional stages of the selection process.
Successful students will be required to sign an agreement with the Thuthuka Education and Upliftment Fund (TEUF) and NSFAS.
Bursaries are awarded annually and may be renewed based on academic performance and compliance with programme requirements.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive communication after the selection process has been completed, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the necessary supporting documents before beginning the online application.
These may include:
Certified copy of your South African ID
Certified copy of your Grade 11 or Matric results
Proof of application or acceptance at a participating university
Proof of household income where applicable
National Benchmark Test information
Any additional documents requested during the application process
Ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and submitted before the application deadline.
Why Consider the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary?
Higher education can be expensive, and many talented students face financial barriers that make it difficult to pursue their dreams.
The SAICA Thuthuka Bursary aims to remove these obstacles by providing financial support together with mentoring, academic assistance, and professional development.
Students who successfully complete the programme benefit from improved career opportunities and gain valuable exposure to experienced professionals within the accounting industry.
For learners who aspire to become Chartered Accountants, this bursary represents an excellent opportunity to receive comprehensive support throughout their university journey.
Application Tips
Before submitting your application:
Read all eligibility requirements carefully.
Ensure that you meet every minimum requirement.
Apply to one of the participating universities as early as possible.
Complete your National Benchmark Tests before the closing date.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Double-check your information before submitting your application.
Submitting a complete and accurate application can improve your chances of being considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
South African citizens who meet the academic, financial, and eligibility requirements.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The bursary may cover accommodation, residence fees, meals, tuition, and prescribed books.
Is Mathematics Literacy accepted?
No. Applicants must have achieved at least 60% in pure Mathematics.
Do I need to write the National Benchmark Tests?
Yes. Applicants must have written, or intend to write, the NBT before the bursary application closes.
Can first-year university students apply?
Yes, provided they meet all eligibility requirements and have applied for one of the approved qualifications at a participating university.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online through the official SAICA Thuthuka Bursary application portal.
Application Link
https://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the closing date. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
